Height, it’s typically a big factor for those who want to play in the front row of volleyball, so when Moises Garcia picked up the sport six years ago he didn’t have many choices when it came time to find a position to play.
“He’s not a very big kid,” Freedom boys volleyball head coach Gina McFerren said. “So playing up front was not going to be an option.”
With that, the 5’5” Freedom senior started at libero and hasn’t looked back.
“I love it,” Garcia said. “It’s really quick, playing libero is really hard, it’s more fast paced than being a hitter or blocker.”
Garcia says that his height is a little bit of a disadvantage but he doesn’t play like it is at all. In the Patriots three matches last week, Garcia averaged over 21 digs, all three were wins. That mark is 7 more than his season average.
“He’s making sure everyone is working hard,” McFerren said. “He’s making sure everyone is in the right position. He’s always in the right position. He picks up anything within his reach, and not only does he pick it up, he puts it in the right spot so the offense can run the way it’s supposed.”
Everything has run how it’s supposed to for Freedom so far this season, they’re 27-0 including a win over last year's state champion. Garcia’s defense a key part in Coach McFerren’s defense first philosophy. But Garcia is quick to not take all the credit.
“I take a lot of pride in what I do,” he added. “I try my best every game, every set, every point. We’re very team oriented so I’m only as good as my hitters and setters.”
Hitters and setters that along with Garcia would like nothing more than to have a very special dance in a little over a week.
“Prom is the same date as the state tournament,” he said. “So I’m hoping to come to prom with a state championship trophy as my date.”